Dolores Matracia

Dolores Margaret Matracia, 77 of Port Orchard, Washington died on May 29, 2007. She was born to John & Margaret (Bunting) Lauer on January 1, 1930 in New York, New York. Dolores married Guiseppe (Joe) Matracia in Port Orchard on May 30, 1967. He preceded her in death in 1977. From the time she was little, she was a "caregiver". Taking care of brother Bob and anyone else who needed help, including her cousin Billy, born with MS and who spent most of his life in a wheel chair. Her caregiving extended throughout her life. Dolores was raised by her grandparents from the age of 8 years. Dolores began working as a Waitress when she was 16 years old. She loved people and this allowed her to make "new friends" all the time. She met husband Joe at a diner where she worked in New York City. Joe was a long distance truck driver owner/operator and finally in 1966, after a real "long distance" relationship, she followed him to Port Orchard. She & Joe worked together in his restaurant "The Guiseppe Spaghetti House". After Joe's death, Dolores worked at Orchard heights in the cafeteria. She began going to the HiJoy Bowling Alley restaurant for her main meal, and there met another part of her "extended family". After an earthquake damaged her home, she was invited to move across the street and live with John & Ann Souza. There she loved to watch John cook, crossword puzzles (in ink!); helping exchange students with their homeowrk, and helping out wherever needed. Dolores loved her cats "Mr. Cleo" & Chestnut. She was a member of Ladies of the Elks. Surviving is brother Robert (Madeline) Lauer of Largo Florida and their children JoanAnn, Robert, Jr., Raymond, Catherine Mary & Jackie; special friends John & Ann Souza, Ray & Mary Monroe, and the crew at HiJoy restaurant, as well as many others. Memorial Mass will be at 11:00 am Saturday, June 16, 2007 at St. Gabriel Catholic Church in Port Orchard with inurnment to follow at Sunset Lane Memorial Park in Port Orchard. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to : Cancer 3 Day Event #303395, ID#144675662, P.O. Box 4297, South Colby, WA.